Amgen reports first clinical data on new targeted cancer therapy

It’s been a busy week for a cancer drug target called PRMT5 that may play a role in treating a variety of solid tumors.

Amgen on Friday presented preliminary results from its first study of an experimental pill that selectively blocks the enzyme in cancer cells, showing five partial responses from 31 evaluable patients. The Amgen reveal followed the announcement on Sunday that a rival PRMT5 inhibitor being developed by Mirati Therapeutics factored into Bristol Myers Squibb’s decision to acquire the company.

Like other targeted cancer therapies, PRMT5 inhibitors are designed to kill tumor cells by exploiting specific genetic mutations. In healthy cells, PRMT5 is an enzyme that helps control essential cellular functions. But in certain solid tumors, the normal function of PRMT5 is hijacked by an alteration, or deletion, in two copies of a gene called MTAP, leading to the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells.

STAT+ Exclusive Story

Already have an account? Log in

This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers

Unlock this article — plus daily coverage and analysis of the biotech sector — by subscribing to STAT+.

Already have an account? Log in

Already have an account? Log in

Individual plans

Group plans

Monthly

$39

Totals $468 per year

$39/month Get Started

Totals $468 per year

Starter

$30

for 3 months, then $39/month

$30 for 3 months Get Started

Then $39/month

Annual

$399

Save 15%

$399/year Get Started

Save 15%

11+ Users

Custom

Savings start at 25%!

Request A Quote Request A Quote

Savings start at 25%!

2-10 Users

$300

Annually per user

$300/year Get Started

$300 Annually per user

View All Plans

Get unlimited access to award-winning journalism and exclusive events.

Subscribe

Log In